Dundee Utd 1-1 Kilmarnock

Dundee United fought back to claim a draw against Kilmarnock as both sides settled for a point in their opening Scottish Premier League fixture.

David Goodwillie fired wide of the Killie goal from six yards in the first half and Gary Harkins missed a couple of chances for the visitors.

Rory McKeown fired Kilmarnock in front with a stunning 25-yard strike just after the interval.

But substitute Danny Swanson volleyed United level 20 minutes from the end.

Goodwillie had a late chance to steal victory for the home side but the striker was foiled by goalkeeper Cammy Bell's superb save.

The result means Kenny Shiels is still looking for his first win as Kilmarnock manager, having made his position permanent following a caretaker spell towards the end of last season.

McKeown, Patrick Ada, Gary Harkins, Zdenek Kroca and Ben Hutchinson were all handed competitive debuts for the visitors and it was the more familiar looking United side who were prominent early on.

John Rankin's half-volley flew wide and Stuart Armstrong could not get enough purchase on his shot as the Tangerines pressed.

Swanson was booked for taking his shirt off to celebrate his goal

At the other end, James Dayton dragged a shot wide after getting the better of Paul Dixon.

Goodwillie met Dixon's cross but contrived to send his effort the wrong side of the post.

Harkins tested home keeper Dusan Pernis from close range and the midfielder's follow-up effort was blocked by his own team-mate Manuel Pascali.

McKeown opened the second half with a fierce drive from distance that beat Pernis and put the Ayrshire side ahead.

Jon Daly had a couple of headed efforts, one blocked by Ada near the line, as United searched for parity.

But Swanson, who had replaced Johnny Russell, did find the net when his rebound shot from his initial blocked free-kick beat Bell from 20 yards.

And Goodwillie had an excellent chance in injury time after being sent through on goal by Daly but Bell came to Kilmarnock's rescue.